House of Reps Considers Constitution Review Proposing 46 New States, 117 LGAs

In a move to reshape Nigeria’s federal structure, the House of Representatives is reviewing proposals to create 46 new states and 117 additional local government areas (LGAs), sparking widespread debate about the country’s governance framework.

The ambitious constitutional review, aimed at addressing long-standing demands for restructuring, has drawn both support and skepticism as lawmakers grapple with its implications for national unity, resource allocation, and administrative efficiency.

The proposals, currently under consideration by the House Committee on Constitution Review, seek to address regional agitations for greater representation and decentralization.

Among the key suggestions is the creation of 46 new states, which would increase Nigeria’s total from 36 to 82.

Notable proposals include new states such as Lagoon State, Oke-Ogun State, and Ijebu State in the southwest; Anioma State in the southeast; and Tiga State in the northwest. These new states aim to address demands for equitable representation, particularly from regions that feel marginalized under the current geopolitical structure.

Additionally, the plan includes the establishment of 117 new local government areas, bringing the total to 891.

This expansion is intended to enhance grassroots governance and bring administration closer to the people, particularly in rural areas where access to government services remains limited.

Other proposals under review include the creation of new local governments in existing states, such as 13 in Lagos, eight in Katsina, and four in Imo, among others.

The constitutional review also encompasses broader reforms, including the establishment of state police to address Nigeria’s worsening security challenges, such as banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism.

Proponents argue that state police would enable more localized and responsive law enforcement, reducing the burden on federal forces.

Another significant proposal is the introduction of a unicameral legislature to streamline governance and cut costs, alongside calls for special seats for women in the National Assembly to promote gender inclusion.

Lawmakers and stakeholders have expressed mixed reactions to the proposals. Supporters, including some regional advocacy groups, view the creation of new states and LGAs as a step toward addressing historical imbalances and fostering development in underserved areas.

“This is a chance to correct structural injustices and ensure every region has a voice,” a lawmaker from the southeast stated during a public hearing.

However, critics argue that the expansion could strain Nigeria’s already stretched fiscal resources, exacerbate ethnic tensions, and create administrative redundancies.

“Adding more states without a clear economic plan is a recipe for inefficiency,” a political analyst cautioned.

The review process, which began earlier this year, is part of the 10th National Assembly’s commitment to amend the 1999 Constitution to reflect Nigeria’s evolving needs.

The House Committee on Constitution Review has been engaging stakeholders through public hearings and consultations across the six geopolitical zones. The committee is expected to submit its recommendations to the full House by mid-2026, with any approved amendments requiring a two-thirds majority in both chambers of the National Assembly and the concurrence of at least 24 state assemblies.

Economic concerns loom large over the proposals, as Nigeria faces challenges such as inflation, a declining naira, and dependence on oil revenue.

Critics question how the government will fund new administrative structures amid these fiscal pressures. Supporters counter that decentralization could stimulate local economies by empowering states and LGAs to harness their resources more effectively.

While the proposals promise greater inclusivity and local governance, their success will depend on careful planning, broad consensus, and a commitment to addressing the root causes of regional discontent.

For now, the House of Representatives remains at the center of a historic effort to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape, with far-reaching implications for the nation’s future.